The Taco Bus in Tampa is like a landmark…people are always there and it has over 500 ratings on Urbanspoon and 80 Yelp reviews, which is a huge number for this city. Foursquare shows check-ins even into the wee hours of the morning. A 24-hour taco truck is a godsend to this city where restaurants start to close up shop around 10pm on weekends. They have a great menu with a variety of choices and ingredients; several beverages as well, there is nothing that someone cannot love about the Taco Bus.
If the Taco Bus was in California, it would be just another taco truck…but it has successfully done correctly what I have often pondered was missing in Tampa: authentic tasting Mexican food. Anyone who is from California or some other state heavily populated with Mexican people knows that the majority of the places in Tampa or Florida that claim to be “Mexican” restaurants are actually using canned beans, pre-made rice, and no actual Mexican ingredients.
Everything from the cheese to the seasoning on the meat at the Taco Bus tastes like real Mexican food, and although the style is slightly different from what I’m used to in Northern California, Taco Bus still makes an authentic meal that I can actually enjoy. Their Carne Asada tastes great and I have tried their tacos, burritos, and recently I finally gave their quesadillas a shot. I wasn’t disappointed.
My friends burrito. I like my burritos with Carne Asada and some refried beans/sour cream.
The quesadilla ($4.99) was pressed perfectly to be crunchy and with all the ingredients warmed to the right temperature.
The inside of my quesadilla looked amazing. Plenty of cheese, tomatoes, chicken, and onions.
I also get their horchata on every visit. Although their horchata tastes a little different then how I prefer it, it still tastes great and you get a ton of horchata for just a few bucks. Usually the food comes out quick and although lines get long they move pretty quickly. There is plenty of space inside and outside to eat as well. I am in love with the Taco Bus and would totally wear one of their t-shirts if I had more money.
They are opening a Taco Bus out in St. Petersburg and now all I can do is hope they bring one out to Brandon!
Restaurant Name: Taco Bus
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 913 E. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa FL 33604
Neighborhood: Seminole Heights
Phone Number: (813)232-5889
Website: http://tampatacobus.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Taco-Bus/151303904885189
Twitter: @TacoBusTampa
Carlos Eats 
8 responses to “THE Tampa Taco Bus”
Love this place. I was getting my haircut and some girl was trashing the Taco Bus. I was shocked because what is to hate about it? Great pictures.
Ah I have heard people trash talk it too, they just don’t understand “good” Mexican food that’s all.
[…] tables and chairs around. This place was going to be a completely different experience then the Taco Bus. I was greeted by a man at the cashier window and he asked me if it was my first time. When I […]
Good review carlos. I would be interested in your take on the new Taco Bus in St Pete. Is it as good as the original?
I haven’t had a chance to try it David. I plan to try it during my next visit to St. Petersburg. From the long lines I’ve seen today online during their grand opening, I’m expecting that it’s a smash hit. I will investigate soon though!
[…] We were given free chips and salsa because we passed $10. Mema’s is a little pricey like the Taco Bus and California Tacos. Mexican or Mexican-inspired food isn’t cheap in Florida just like […]
[…] Read my Taco Bus review […]
[…] The burrito came out quickly. I read the cuisine was Tex-Mex and normally I am not a fan of this type of Mexican cuisine, but I was surprised when I discovered the savory taste of the meat and ingredients inside the burrito. The rice and beans were both satisfactory, certainly not authentic Mexican cuisine but still enjoyable. The side of guacamole tasted fresh and was a nice addition to the rice, beans, and burrito. The sauce on the burrito was slightly spicy, but added a nice flavoring. The tortilla used for the burrito kept in tact and didn’t fall apart when I started to dig in. Many of the flavors here reminded of Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant in Tampa. Different than California-style Mexican food and places like The Taco Bus. […]